Mayor Joann Gattinelli announces public forums for budget process, Shredding Day and Super Saturday
One of the goals for my administration is to be transparent when it comes to the decisions we make. I have been working closely with Business Administrator Jason Gonter and Chief Financial Officer James D’Auria to increase public participation in the budget process. I would like to announce that the township will hold small group informational/Q&A sessions. These will be in addition to our open budget hearings.
The meetings will be 45 minutes to one hour in duration, during which time residents can express their views and ideas relative to the 2017 municipal budget for Washington Township. Gonter and D’Auria will be leading these sessions, which will have up to five residents at a time to keep a small group setting. We are looking for constructive and positive ideas to discuss so we can continue improvements within our valued community. Residents are encouraged to submit one to two questions or topics for which data will be gathered for further discussion at the scheduled meeting and all items on the budget are open and accessible for inquiry.
Anyone looking to participate must sign up, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To sign up, please call (856) 589–0520 ext. 287, or email mtahan@twp.washington.nj.us with your name, requested meeting date, and your questions/topics. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Meetings will be held in the flag room of the Municipal Building at 11 a.m. on the following dates: March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6, 13, 20, and 27.
With spring just around the corner, we are excited for all the upcoming events within the township. Coming up soon is the Shredding Day Event on Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Washington Township residents can bring bags/boxes of paper they need shredded, which will then be handled by an experienced operator and put into a highly secure, mobile shredding unit where the materials will be destroyed and recycled. I think this is a great way to encourage our township to go green and dispose of paper materials (no plastics or metals) that clutter up their homes in a secure and eco-friendly way. Please have your IDs ready, as this event is open to Washington Township residents only. As of right now, this will be the only event in Washington Township in the Municipal Building parking lot at 523 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell. Additional events are accessible to Washington Township residents at the DocuVault site in West Deptford.
Another event I am excited to announce is Super Saturday at the Washington Lake Park Amphitheater on Saturday, May 13 at 10 a.m. This family-friendly event is fantastic for community building. I have enjoyed attending this event with my family in the past and think it is a great way to get to know what our community is all about. Residents and visitors can enjoy amusement rides, family entertainment, great food and colorful, attractive vendor displays to browse and shop. Those attending can also see various police vehicles and officers from several divisions within the police department, including a canine demonstration. I am proud that we have so many committed people making a difference in the town and I hope to see you there!
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
